Early Assurance Medical Programs (2024): The Complete Guide

September 10, 2024
5 min read

”Akhil

Reviewed by:

Akhil Katakam

Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Reviewed: 6/14/24

Are you applying to med school and curious about Early Assurance medical programs? In this guide, we’ll go over what they are and how to apply them. 

The journey to becoming a medical doctor is a long one. First, finishing four years of your undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and a few more years completing your residency. This journey can be overwhelming and stressful for many students

In this guide, we’ll be going over medical schools with Early Assurance programs. These programs are designed to fast-track students completing their undergraduate degree into getting accepted to medical school. 

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List of Early Assurance Programs for Medical School

Getting into a guaranteed medical program through an Early Assurance Program can be a game-changer for aspiring doctors. If you’re interested, it’s helpful to take a look at Early Assurance Medical Programs and their requirements. 

School U.S. News Ranking
Georgetown University #22 in National Universities
Michigan State University #60 in National Universities
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine #96 in Physician Assistant
Tufts University School of Medicine #53 in Best Medical Schools: Research
East Carolina University (Brody) #103 in Best Medical Schools: Research
Dartmouth College (Geisel) #48 in Best Medical Schools: Research
The University of Toledo College of Medicine #101 in Best Medical Schools: Research
University at Buffalo--SUNY (Jacobs) #76 in Best Medical Schools: Research
SUNY Upstate Medical University #88 in Best Medical Schools: Research

Getting into a guaranteed medical program can be a game-changer for aspiring doctors. If you’re interested, it’s helpful to take a look at our comprehensive list of schools and their requirements. 

1. Georgetown University 

Georgetown University
Location Washington, DC
Acceptance Rate 12%
Average GPA 4.0
Average MCAT 512

Georgetown’s Early Assurance Program offers its students an opportunity to apply for medical school in their sophomore year. Georgetown students who want to attend its School of Medicine can receive assurance of admission. 

Students must be in their fourth semester at Georgetown University to be eligible for this program. Students must also complete four pre-med courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus or statistics, and physics). 

2. Michigan State University

Michigan State University
Location East Lansing, MI
Acceptance Rate 88%
Average GPA 3.8
Average MCAT 508

Michigan State University’s Early Assurance Program allows students to apply to its program during their junior year. Preference will be given to students at the partner colleges who:

  • Are the first generation to attend college
  • Graduated from a low-income high school
  • Are eligible for need-based grants
  • Show an interest in a highly needed medical specialty area 

Students may complete any major; however, they must also complete the MCAT and have an overall GPA of 3.0.

3. Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Location Hershey, PA
Acceptance Rate 10%
Average GPA 3.8
Average MCAT 512

The Early Assurance Program at Penn State College of Medicine requires students to complete eight math and science courses (inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus). Students are also required to have participated in extracurricular activities and student involvement in human services. 

For this program, your application must include: 

  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Evaluation by the Health Professions Advisory Committee

Completing the above requirements will give a student a competitive advantage in the program. 

4. Tufts University School of Medicine

Tufts University School of Medicine
Location Boston, MA
Acceptance Rate 4.5%
Average GPA 3.7
Average MCAT 515

The Early Assurance Program offered by Tufts University School of Medicine allows students to apply to its program without an MCAT score. To be eligible for the program, students must have a GPA of 3.7, a B+ in biology, chemistry, and physics, and a B in all other courses. 

5. East Carolina University (Brody)

East Carolina University (Brody)
Location Greenville, NC
Acceptance Rate 13%
Average GPA 3.6
Average MCAT 508

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine’s Early Assurance Program reserves four of the 86 seats in the Brody School of Medicine entering class. 

If accepted, students must maintain the following to keep their acceptance. Eligibility requirements include: 

  • Earning a minimum GPA of 3.5
  • Completing all pre-med requirements by the end of sophomore year (suggested, not required)
  • Taking at least three courses in the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts
  • Participating in required group activities during all four years 
  • Remaining eligible for the Honors College

If students do the above, they will be admitted to the EAP. 

6. Dartmouth College (Geisel)

Dartmouth College (Geisel)
Location Hanover, NH
Acceptance Rate 3%
Average GPA 3.8
Average MCAT 516

Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine’s Early Assurance Program offers its students to apply to reserve an early seat at its medical school in their junior year. The application process is highly competitive and only accepts five students per year. 

Completion of the MCAT isn’t required, and students have the opportunity to complete all medical prerequisite courses by the time of the comprehensive performance evaluation rather than by the deadline. 

7. The University of Toledo College of Medicine

The University of Toledo College of Medicine
Location Toledo, OH
Acceptance Rate 7.5%
Average GPA 3.8
Average MCAT 509

The University of Toledo College of Medicine’s Early Assurance Program allows students in the junior year of their undergraduate degree program to reserve a seat at their medical school. The program also allows its participants to learn more about the M.D. program, the campus, and the Toledo community. 

The eligibility requirements of this program:

  • You must apply to the program at the beginning of your junior year
  • You must have completed a significant portion of the undergraduate course prerequisites 
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.7 at the time of application
  • Either SAT or ACT score, an SAT score of 1350, or an ACT score of 30

Moreover, the program allows exceptional students to reserve medical school seats. 

8. University at Buffalo--SUNY (Jacobs)

University at Buffalo--SUNY (Jacobs)
Location Buffalo, NY
Acceptance Rate 7.5%
Average GPA 3.6
Average MCAT 510

The University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine’s Early Assurance Program offers qualified, historically underrepresented medicine applicants a chance to secure a spot in their medical school. This program also offers accepted applicants professional interaction and career training opportunities. 

The school reserves 30 seats for its first-year medical school class each year. The eligibility requirements of this program:

  • Must be a sophomore undergraduate in one of their partner schools
  • 3.5 or higher GPA
  • Must be historically underrepresented in medicine
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

This program is an excellent way for underrepresented groups in medicine to get into the medical field. 

9. SUNY Upstate Medical University

SUNY Upstate Medical University
Location Syracuse, NY
Acceptance Rate 7.5%
Average GPA 3.8
Average MCAT 514

Upstate Medical University’s Early Assurance Program offers early medical school acceptance to sophomores attending their undergraduate program. 

The eligibility requirements of this program:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 for medical school prerequisites
  • SAT score of 1360, or ACT score of 30
  • A score of 510 or above on the MCAT exam by August 31st of the year before your intended entry
  • Completion of five out of the eight science courses before application
  • General Biology I & lab 
  • General Biology II & lab 
  • General Chemistry I & lab 
  • General Chemistry II & lab 
  • Organic Chemistry I & lab 
  • Biochemistry 
  • General Physics I & lab 
  • General Physics II & lab 

The above eligibility criteria must be met before submitting your application. 

If you still need help choosing the right school, take our quiz to find out the perfect medical school for you.

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What Is an Early Assurance Medical Program?

An EAP is where undergraduate students planning to attend medical school can apply to a conditional early acceptance program

Students can apply as early as their second year of their undergrad. EAPs are only offered by certain schools that fast-track the medical school application process. 

These programs allow undergraduate students to secure a spot in medical school. In contrast, a traditional medical school applicant must apply after their third or fourth year of college. 

An advantage of getting accepted to an EAP is that you get to bypass many medical school requirements, even in some cases taking the MCAT. So, when you sign up for an EAP, medical school is within reach. 

Early Assurance Medical Program Requirements

Early Assurance Medical Program requirements vary by school. Here are the general requirements:

Generally, these requirements are what EAPs ask for. However, institutions may ask for additional requirements. 

Pros and Cons of Early Assurance Programs

In this section, we'll weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these academic pathways. Let’s get into it. 

Pros

  • Simplified Admissions: EAPs provide a straightforward pathway to medical school, eliminating the usual competitive application process.
  • Early Career Planning: You can plan your undergraduate studies with a clear focus on medical school from the get-go.
  • Time and Cost Savings: Some EAPs allow you to complete your undergraduate and medical degrees more efficiently, potentially saving time and money.
  • Dedicated Support: EAPs often come with advisors and mentors dedicated to helping you succeed in your medical journey.
  • Early Exposure: You may have opportunities for early exposure to the medical field, such as research or clinical experience.

Cons

  • Limited Career Flexibility: EAPs lock you into a specific career path early on, making it challenging to change your mind later.
  • Motivation Concerns: Having a guaranteed spot can lead to reduced competitiveness and motivation during your undergraduate years.
  • Admission Pressure: Meeting GPA and test score requirements is crucial, and falling short could jeopardize your guaranteed spot.
  • Narrow Focus: EAPs exclusively target medical careers, which might not align with evolving interests or alternative career aspirations.
  • Early Commitment: You must commit to a medical career relatively early, potentially before you're entirely certain about your long-term goals.

Overall, Early Assurance Medical Programs offer a clear route to medical school with reduced stress but come with the trade-off of limited career flexibility and the need for an early commitment to medicine. Consider these factors carefully when deciding if an EAMP is the right choice for you.

FAQs: Early Assurance Programs for Medical School

If you still have questions after reading this guide, check out these frequently asked questions. 

1. What Is Early Assurance Medical School?

Early Assurance Medical School is a medical school that provides students with the opportunity to apply for an early seat in medical school, as early as the second year of their undergraduate program. 

2. Are Early Assurance Programs Hard to Get Into?

Yes, they are incredibly competitive and challenging to get into. The programs only admit a minimal number of students each year. The programs also require a minimum GPA, test scores, and prerequisite courses that students must maintain and complete.

3. Is Early Assurance Binding?

Many EAPs are binding once the student accepts the offer. Once an offer is accepted, students are expected to abstain from applying to or accepting other offers. 

Final Thoughts

Early Assurance Programs are an excellent way for undergraduate students who are serious about joining the field of medicine as medical doctors. It gives them a chance to jump-start and secure their medical school position. 

Applying to medical school can be stressful, and securing your spot as early as the second year of college can relieve stress. 

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